Neon Indian at Fat City (Review)

When neon signs and huge cartoon cutouts reminiscent of Chuck E. Cheese adorn the stage, you already know a show’s going to be good. When the audience member in front of you releases mind-numbingly bad flatulence enough to make you lose consciousness but you still dance through it because the song playing is that good, you know it’s the dang best show you’ve been to in a while. These were my experiences at Neon Indian’s show at Fat City on October 30th and below is my coverage of this groovin’ show.

Neon Indian opened with songs from their previous album VEGA INTL. Night School, like “Street Level” and “Annie” immediately to follow. While the audience probably wasn’t the largest they’ve ever had, there were still people singing along loud enough to know they had a group of very loyal fans at this show. Throughout the show the band also played some older tunes from now 6-year-old Pyschic Chasms as well as their popular hit “Polish Girl.” Being at such an intimate show, there was a lot of fun fan-to-band interactions that kept the good mood flowing, including lead singer Alan Palomo’s infectious dance moves.

The previously mentioned stage decoration was a nod towards the art direction of Neon Indian’s previous album VEGA INTL. Night School with red and blue ambient lighting. The light direction was actually taken into Palomo’s own hands when he asked the white lights directly on top of him to be turned off, so there was just a back light of different colors which immediately changed the atmosphere of the show.

In addition to the lighting, the sound was on par with their original recordings, which is something I personally enjoy in performances. The loudness of the mic competing with that of the keyboard was something that’s characteristically true to Neon Indian’s style. While Palomo has the voice and vision behind their creative projects, the band members are equally as talented and essential to their sound. Keyboardist Drew Erickson as well as guitarist and synth player Max Townsley were in charge of most of the synth sounds during the show and managing the vital sounds of each song that Neon Indian fans know and love. My only complaint was that the bass player, Jorge Palomo wasn’t closer to the front because he is one talented bassist that could easily be heard throughout each song.

It’s nights like these that make you really appreciate musicians and artists for simply doing what they love for their fans. After the show the band respectably came down and interacted with their fans, taking photos and just talking with them about the performance and their album. With fun interactions and both the audience and band enjoying themselves, the night was exciting, or dare I say, terminally chill.

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About Emma Kelley

I'm a junior in Global Studies. If you can't find me at Kam's or sitting in a Starbucks watching Netflix, I'm most likely sitting in my room learning Ukulele tabs to top radio hits. Music is a passion of mine, and my nickname is "The Human Jukebox."